Delhi HC Dismisses PIL on Tihar Jail Crowding, Cites Wrong Forum

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking redressal of overcrowding in Tihar Jail, stating that the petitioner had approached the wrong authority.

The PIL, filed by advocate Anand Mishra, had urged the Union Government to take action on the issue. However, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela pointed out that the administration of Delhi’s prisons, including Tihar Jail, falls under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Government, not the Centre.

The court advised the petitioner to approach appropriate authorities such as the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of NCT of Delhi, or the Director General of Prisons.

It further noted that the issue of prison overcrowding is already under consideration by the Supreme Court in a broader national context.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel also highlighted concerns about security lapses at Tihar Jail and inadequate frisking at the prison gates. The bench reiterated that such operational issues must first be brought to the attention of the competent administrative bodies.

After the court’s observations, Mishra withdrew the PIL with the liberty to make a fresh representation to the relevant authorities. The court accepted the request and dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

Case Title: Anand Mishra v. Union of India